Men’s Soccer Late Effort Not Enough

JAMAICA, N.Y. – Despite out-shooting No. 12 St. John’s, the West Virginia University men’s soccer team was never able to overcome an early deficit, falling 1-0 on Sunday evening at Belson Stadium.

The Mountaineers (3-2-1) held the possession throughout the second half and finished with a 12-11 edge in shots, including 6-3 in shots on goal.

“We gave up a soft goal and its becoming too much of a trend right now. We were fantastic tonight. It’s unfortunate that someone has to lose a game like this,” coach Marlon LeBlanc says. “The second 45 was about as well as we’ve played all year and we put them under a lot of pressure.”

Bevin led a pressured attack throughout the second half, starting with two corner kicks in the 54th and 64th minutes, but nobody was able to get on the end.

Bevin took a shot that was blocked in the 76th minute and then took a corner that once again did not generate a chance.

His final chance came with two minutes remaining as he took a free kick at the top of the box with the first shot blocked and the rebound shot was saved by St. John’s goalkeeper Rafael Diaz.

Despite having some of the better chances in the first half, the Mountaineers went into halftime trailing 1-0.

Wiliams took the first shot on goal in the 10th minute of the game from deep that was saved by a sprawling Diaz. Williams had another chance in the 23rd minute, but again Diaz made the stop.

Bevin had WVU’s best chance in the 15th minute, chipping the ball over Diaz, but Miguel Alves cleared the ball out of harms way before it could trickle into the net.

Sean Sepe scored on St. John’s first shot on goal in the 24th minute after receiving a pass from Jimmy Mulligan. Sepe navigated his way through a plethora of WVU defenders and took a shot from 12 yards out to the far post past WVU junior keeper Lee Johnston.

The Mountaineers return to Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21, for a match against non-conference foe Michigan. The Mountaineers and Wolverines will kick off at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the match are $5 for adults, $3 for youth and senior citizens, and groups of 10 or more may pay $2 each. WVU students are admitted free with a valid WVU student ID. Saturday is a “Dollar Day,” with all tickets, hot dogs, popcorn and Coca-Colas available for $1 each. For a video and audio stream courtesy of Kroger, visit WVUsports.com.